Method and apparatus for suspending a container

ABSTRACT

A receiving element constructed within a container, the receiving element having a body with a first end and a second end wherein the body is formed from a plurality of separate pieces configured into an annular arrangement in a tension fit in a neck of the container. A passage formed in the body from the first end of the body to the second end of the body creates a cavity and an internal surface having a groove for receiving a locking element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to transportation and storage devices and more particularly relate to a method and a receiving element for suspending an interior container, such as a bulb, for transport and/or storage.

BACKGROUND

Containers exist in a number of shapes and sizes for transporting and/or storing a variety of products. Some products, such as biological materials, require very low temperatures. Generally, these products are stored with a cryogenic fluid, such as, liquid nitrogen at about −196 degrees Celsius. Transporting biological materials with cryogenic fluid liquid nitrogen presents a number of problems. These new problems are commonly handled in one of two ways.

One method for shipping liquid nitrogen cooled products involves shipment in a hermetically sealed container. Since the liquid nitrogen transitions from a liquid phase to a gas phase during shipment, the hermetically sealed container requires a system to control the initial pressure of the container. Otherwise, excessive pressure would build as the liquid nitrogen transfers phases. Hermetically sealed containers can be expensive and bulky, and the required system for controlling the initial pressure can also result in increased costs.

The other method for transporting liquid nitrogen involves the use of a non-hermetically sealed container. Such containers allow nitrogen vapors to freely escape the container, but must stay upright in order to avoid leakage or spilling of the liquid nitrogen. Often non-hermetically sealed large metal containers or cryostats are used for the shipment of cryopreserved materials. These double walled metal containers typically consist of a first wall separated from a second inner wall which holds the liquid nitrogen. The cryostats weight alone contributes significantly to the cost of shipping. Additionally, the long cylindrical shapes of typical cryostats can often put them at risk for tipping during shipment.

One solution resides in dry shipping technologies, which include absorbents for absorbing cryogenic fluids within lighter containers like those disclosed in international PCT patent publication WO 2008/125434, incorporated herein by reference.

WO 2008/125434 discloses a non-hermetically sealed container where an insulation bulb is suspended within an outer container. This container is suspended either by direct contact with the interior neck of the bulb or with a unitary elastic sleeve interposed within the neck. Both disclosed embodiments have disadvantages. In the embodiment where a bulb is suspended with direct contact to the interior neck of the bulb localized stress points are created which can result in rupturing the brittle bulb, which would typically be constructed from glass. The unitary elastic sleeve serves to distribute stress throughout the neck, but lacks rigidity for firmly securing the bulb within the outer container. Both embodiments lack the particularly ability to lock a bulb into a suspended position when loaded with products and cryogenic fluids.

In order to overcome these shortcomings of the prior art, there exists a need for a method and an improved device to suspend a container for shipment. More particularly, a need exist for suspending a first container within a second container with an improved receiving element for locking the containers in position relative to each other. The first container can be a double walled container for holding liquid nitrogen, while the second container can be an external shipping package.

A need exists for an improved method and an apparatus for suspending a container for shipping cryopreserved materials in non-hermetically sealed containers, and particularly for maintaining the upright position of the container during shipment.

In order to maintain the integrity of the container and to maintain access to materials stored therein, there exists a need for a receiving element configured within the container. More particularly, a need exists for a sturdy element configured with the container for suspending the container with qualities allowing for the firm locking of the suspension of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the claimed invention meet these needs, and more, by providing a body constructed from complimentary slices or pieces which can individually pass through the opening of a container and which are configured within the container in a tension fit to provide the body affixed in the container for receiving a locking element generally at the opening of the container. Once the body receives the locking element the container is then locked into place relative to the locking element and can be suspended from the locking element.

In one embodiment a receiving element is configured for an interior container with an opening. The interior container can be a bulb, a Dewar vessel, or another container. The receiving element can have a body with a first end, a second end and an external surface. The second end of the body can be larger than the opening of the interior container or than a neck of the container such that the receiving element, once in the interior container, is larger than the opening of the interior container. The receiving element can include a passage from the first end of the body to the second end of the body forming an internal cavity and an internal surface of the body. An upper lip can be formed on the external surface located at the first end of the body and can be configured for contacting a top surface at the opening of the container. A base can be formed at the second end of the body, and an internal groove can be formed on the internal surface of the body. The shape of the body's exterior can provide a fit within the container while being too large for removal from the container, and the internal groove can be configured for receiving a locking element. A locking element can be inserted in the container and interlock with the receiving element thereby suspending the container relative to the locking element.

The construction of the body on the interior of the interior container can be achieved by the assembly of separate pieces or slices which together form the body. While the pieces can be joined together with an adhesive or by other means, the pieces can also, when properly arranged at the neck or opening of the container, but in a tension fit ultimately held in place by the interior surface of the container itself To this end, the body would have a generally annular cross section for cylindrical containers, but that other shapes are envisioned within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the event the container has a cross section other than cylindrical, the receiving element would be formed in shape with an external surface matched to the internal surface of the container. Regardless of the shape of the container and receiving element, the receiving element would be constructed from several pieces, where each piece individually passes through the opening for arrangement on the interior of the container. The body can be formed from a mold and dimensioned to fit tightly in the top of a container. Subsequently, the body can be cut in order to produce a plurality of appropriately dimensioned pieces for passing into the interior of the container. In order to achieve this fit, the pieces can be constructed from Styrofoam, plastic, rubber, or another sufficiently elastic material; preferably a lighter material.

In one embodiment the body can further comprise a neck portion and a base portion. The neck portion can be more narrow and dimensioned to fit in the neck of the container. The base portion can expand outward from the neck and can be dimensioned to match the internal surface of the top portion of the container.

In another embodiment the body is divided into a plurality of pieces where at least one piece is configured with parallel side edges. Typically, when dividing an object with an annular or circular cross section cuts are made through the center point resulting in each piece having edges which converge towards the center point, a proximal end, and diverge towards the outer surface, a distal end. In order to construct the body within the container, all but one piece can be configured into position leaving one last piece and one missing section. The last piece must either be slid in from the top or slid from the center of the container outwards, or slid in some combination of these directions. A piece cut in the typical manner would not be able to reach its final position inside the interior of the container by horizontally sliding into position because the distal surface would not pass the gap of the proximal surfaces formed by the neighboring pieces. Nor would the final piece be able to be dropped vertically into position because the base has a greater radius than the neck, so the bottom most portion would not pass the edges of the neighboring pieces at the top of the container.

In order to overcome this problem the present methods and devices provide for cutting the body in several pieces including at least one piece cut with parallel side edges. The remaining pieces are configured to have a missing section with corresponding parallel side edges. This can be accomplished at the time the body is cut by providing at least two parallel cuts, as opposed to cuts through the center point or the circular or annular cross-section.

In another embodiment, the final piece can be configured such that side edges can converge towards a distal end. The remaining pieces of the body can form a body with a missing section, where the missing section has corresponding edges created by those pieces neighboring the missing section. In this way, the final piece can be slid into place in the same manner as a final piece with parallel sides.

The body can be divided into four separate pieces, five separate pieces, six separate pieces, or more pieces. For example, the body can be divided into at least eight separate piece, at least ten separate pieces, or at least twelve separate pieces. The container dimensions can dictate what size pieces can pass into the interior and thus what how many pieces are required to achieve that size.

The number of pieces can also dictate the number of piece designs formed when the body is divided. In one embodiment, the body can be constructed from a plurality of pieces having three distinct designs. In yet another embodiment, the body can be constructed from a plurality of pieces having four distinct designs. While in still another embodiment, the body can be constructed from pieces having more than four distinct designs.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for suspending an interior container. The method can begin with the step of forming a receiving element at an opening of the interior container. The receiving element can then be secured with the opening of the interior container. A locking element can then be inserted into the opening of the interior container for engaging the receiving element where the locking element can be coupled to a first portion of an exterior container. The receiving element is both secured within the interior container and engaged with the locking element sufficiently to suspend the container by the locking element and the first portion of the exterior container can be attached to a second potion of the exterior container which then surrounds the suspended interior container.

In one embodiment of the method, the step of forming the receiving element can begin by placing a plurality of pieces of the receiving element in the opening. The method can continue by arranging the plurality of pieces into an annular body missing a single section, where the missing section has two edges. A last piece of the receiving element having two sides corresponding to the edges of the missing section can then be placed in the opening and slide into the place of the missing single section thereby completing the body formed at the opening of the container.

In one embodiment, the corresponding edges of the single missing element and the last piece can be generally parallel edges. In another embodiment, the corresponding edges of the single missing element and the last piece can converge towards their distal end relative to the center of the container.

In another embodiment, the container can be suspended within another container, such as a shipping container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a container in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a cover for interfacing the receiving element of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of a cover for interfacing the receiving element of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate axial sectional views of closing and controlling components of the container.

FIG. 5 illustrates an axial sectional view of a container in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a partially exploded view of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6B illustrates an isometric view of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6C illustrates an isometric view of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7C illustrates one embodiment of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7D illustrates one embodiment of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a receiving element in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a receiving element in accordance with the present invention coupled with the opening of a container.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present inventive embodiments include a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present inventive technology. These elements are listed with initial embodiments, however it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples should not be construed to limit the present inventive technology to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

Turning now to the figures, and particularly FIGS. 1-5 several views of a transportation and/or storage device 10 are illustrated. In particular, FIG. 1 provides an exploded view of a transportation and/or storage device 10 comprising an interior container in the form of a bulb 12, such as a double-walled vessel or a glass Dewar vessel, for suspension within an outer packaging structure 14. The outer packaging structure 14 consists of a wall 18, such as a cylindrical wall, or a set of walls, defining an internal volume 16 inside which the insulating bulb 12 can be suspended.

The packaging structure 14 can be a barrel, a cask or a drum, or another outer container with a curvilinear cross-section. Naturally, the packaging structure 14 can also take a number of other shapes, including a plurality of polyhedral configurations. The packaging structure 14 can comprise a drum with a main vertical axis X, a cylindrical wall 18, an upper horizontal wall consisting of a detachable cover 20, and a lower horizontal wall 22 forming the bottom of the drum. In one embodiment, the main vertical axis X can constitute an overall axis of symmetry for the components of transportation and/or storage device 10. The cylindrical wall 18 can define an inner cylindrical face 24 an outer cylindrical face 26.

The cover 20 can be detachably joined onto the cylindrical drum and can include an upper horizontal face 28 and a lower horizontal face 30. The lower horizontal face can be configured to rest on the cylindrical wall 18 and can be configured to suspend the bulb 12.

The double-walled insulating bulb 12 can include a body 32 having an outer wall 34 and an inner wall 36 (seen in FIG. 5), which can be more or less parallel and separated by a space. The space between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38 can comprise a vacuum in order to improve heat transfer properties between the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38. The inner wall 36 defines an internal volume 38 of the insulating bulb 12.

The bulb 12 can include an upper neck 40 defining an upper opening 42, to permit the filling of an internal volume 38 of the insulating bulb 12 with cryogenic fluid. The inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38 can be joined at an upper edge 58 in the neck 40. The insulating bulb 12 also comprises, vertically opposite the neck 40, a bottom 44 that is illustrated as largely hemispherical. The insulating bulb can also be constructed from glass, or from another material know for Dewar vessels.

Turning to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 the cover 20 is illustrated in greater detail. Supporting means 46 are formed on a portion of the detachable cover 20 for suspending the insulating bulb 12 within the storage and transportation device 10. The supporting means 46 can include attachment means 48 capable of engaging, directly or indirectly, with sole inner wall 36 of the bulb 12 to vertically suspend bulb 12 by its neck 40.

Thus, in a mounted position, seen in FIG. 5, the bulb 12 hangs freely in the space within the internal volume 16 defined by the packaging structure 14. In one embodiment the insulating bulb 12 hangs without contact between outer wall 34 of bulb 12 and the walls of packaging structure 14, particularly the inner wall 24 or the upper face of bottom 22.

The supporting means 46 can be directly formed by outer packaging structure 14 without the need to provide an intermediate load bearing structure, such as braces. Attachment means 48 can be integrally formed with the cover 20 and can be manufactured by casting, blow molding, or by extrusion.

The cover 20 can exhibit an elastic deformation capacity determined and defined so as to permit, particularly in case of shock(s) or fall(s), a limited movement of the bulb 12 in the packaging internal volume 16, and in such a way that the outer wall 34 of the suspended bulb 12 does not contact the walls 22, 24 of the packaging structure 14.

The cover 20 can also be capable of locally deforming elastically. To this end, the cover 20 can include an annular elastic deformation area 29 located at the radial periphery. This elastic deformation area 29 is capable of absorbing all or part of the mechanical forces resulting from shock(s) received by the packaging structure 14, particularly the outer wall 26 or bottom 22, in particular in the event of a vertical fall of the device 10.

This elastic deformation area 29 makes it possible to prevent, or at least to limit, the transmission to the inner wall 36 of the bulb 12 the mechanical forces attributable to such shocks onto packaging structure 14 or to a fall of transportation and/or storage device 10.

In one embodiment, the cover 20 is made of several parts, such as a first central part, on which the bulb 12 is suspended, and a second less rigid peripheral part capable of deforming elastically and that, radially laid out around the central bearing part, is capable of ensuring the elastic connection with the drum of the packaging structure 14. Such a second part can be constructed from, for example, elastic bellows, ensuring a damping and/or filtering function to limit the transmission of mechanical forces between the packaging structure 14 and the bulb 12.

The cover 20 can be made of a single piece of an elastomer material exhibiting a certain elastic deformation capacity sufficient for absorbing the forces in the event of fall or shock. Regardless of the material, the cover 20 can be constructed to bear the weight of the bulb 12 once filled with cryogenic fluid.

Consequently, the elastic deformation capacity of cover 20 is specifically a function of the weight of the bulb 12, of the empty space remaining around bulb 12 in volume 16, which determines the possible movement or possible displacement of bulb 12, however, without as a result permitting bulb 12 to contact structure 14.

In one embodiment, the cover 20 comprises reinforcement means, such as ribs 21, capable of locally rigidifying the cover 20 to support the weight of suspended bulb 12 while absorbing the forces in the event of shock(s) or fall(s). The ribs 21 can be in the shape of arms 23 extending radially from an outer edge 25 towards the center of the cover 20 and that are, for example, distributed in a “star,” either angularly or regularly.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the supporting means 46 of the cover 20 can be seen in greater detail, including a central tubular element 50 with a circular section. The tubular element 50 can include an upper block 52 and a lower block 54 that, in the mounted position, respectively extend outside and above the neck 40 of bulb 12, and at least partly through upper opening 42 of bulb 12.

The central tubular element 50 defines an orifice 56 leading into internal volume 38 of the bulb 12, which progressively flares out downwards from upper edge 58, which constitutes the only area of connection between the outer 34 and inner 36 walls.

The attachment means 48 formed on the cover 20 can comprise a locking mechanism including “L” shaped articulating members or lugs 48, which can have a first unlocked position and a second locked position. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 exlimpify the locking mechanism in the unlocked position. In FIG. 5 the lugs 48 are pushing into a locked position by which can engage with another member supported in the neck 40 of the insulating bulb 12 and at least one of the walls of the packaging structure 14. Notches 66 can be distributed circumferentially around the orifice 56 on an upper face 28 of the cover 20.

Referring briefly back to FIG. 1, the device 10 can include an annular sleeve 60 that, in the mounted position, is radially interposed between the tubular element 50 comprising attachment means 48 and inner wall 36 of bulb 12 located in the proximity of flared neck 40 whose shape it follows. The sleeve 60 is illustrated as an annular sleeve constructed from a plurality of pieces and constructed within the neck 40 of the bulb and can be especially designed to absorb shock and vibrations that would otherwise transfer to the inner wall 36 of the bulb 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the device 10 can further include a closing stopper 62 capable of obturating the orifice 56 of the tubular element 50 of the cover 20. The stopper 62 is added onto the cover 20 by a bayonet-type mount and includes pins 64 around its circumference intended to engage the notches 66 of the cover 20. The stopper 62 can include an annular skirt 68 (Seen in FIG. 5), which, extending vertically, is centered on the vertical axis X of the device 10.

The stopper 62 can have a smaller diameter than the cover 20 and can contribute, in the mounted position, to rigidifying the center part of the cover 20, where the center part of the cover comprises the tubular element 50 on which bulb 12 is suspended. The annular area extending radially between the notches 66 and the edge of the cover 20 forming said elastically deformable area 29 intended to absorb the forces in case of shocks.

Again referring back to FIG. 1, the device 10 can include a control component 70 whose vertical introduction downwards into the orifice 56 of the tubular element 50, is capable of causing the movement of attachment means 48 to the locking position. The attachment means 48 can be characterizes as including lugs or “L” shaped articulating members which can be pushed outward by the introduction of the control component 70, as illustrated in FIG. 5, to ensure a connection between the bulb 12 and the tubular element 50 of the cover 20.

The lugs 48 are mounted in a movable manner between a retracted, unlocked position and an extended, locking position and are, for example, regularly distributed circumferentially on the inside end of block 54 of tubular element 50.

Each lug 48 exhibits an “L” section and includes a control arm 72 that extends horizontally, radially, inside the tubular element 50, and a locking arm 74 forming a hook that extends vertically downwards, when attachment means 48 are in the retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

The pivoting of attachment the lugs 48 from the retracted position to the locking position is accomplished by the vertical introduction downwards of the control component 70, through the upper orifice 56 of the tubular element 50. The control component 70 can include a tubular body 76 having a diameter smaller than that of the lower block 54 of the tubular element 50 in such a way that when the control component 70 is introduced axially, the tubular body 76 engages with the control arms 72 of the lugs 48 and causes a 45° pivoting of the lugs 48 from the retracted position to the locking position, seen FIG. 5. The tubular body 76 of the control component 70 then immobilizes the lugs 48 in a locking position in such a way that control component 70 advantageously constitutes a means of latching lugs 48 in the locking position.

The control arms 72 then extend vertically along outer cylindrical wall 80 of tubular body 76 of control component 70. The lugs 48 extend obliquely in the locking position, so as to serve as a support against a face 61 opposite sleeve 60, which is integrated with inner wall 36 in the proximity of neck 40. In one embodiment, the sleeve 60 can include a means for receiving the lugs 48 in their locking position for firmly and securely locking the attachment means 48 into the bulb. In particular, the lugs 48 can configured to engage an internal groove 236 (seen in FIG. 6A) formed in the sleeve 60 for locking the bulb 12 into place relative to the cover 20 and the control component 70.

In the mounted position, the sleeve 60 is interposed radially between the inner wall 36 of the bulb 12 and the outside cylindrical surface of the lower block 54 of the tubular element 50 penetrating into the bulb 12 in the area of neck 40. In one embodiment, the sleeve 60 can be constructed from a number of rigid pieces which are formed together within the neck 40 of the insulating bulb 12, which is described in more detail in FIG. 6A.

With reference to FIG. 1, the control component 70 can include a tubular body 76 with a lower end 78 closed by a bottom. In one embodiment, the cylindrical wall 80 is equipped with at least one hole 82 for the passage of cryogenic fluid, such as for filling and emptying cryogenic fluid.

The tubular body 76 can include a plurality of holes 82 distributed circumferentially around the cylindrical wall 80 and vertically over several superimposed rows among which the holes 82 are laid out in a staggered fashion, from one row to another.

The control component 70 can include, at its upper end, an upper “L” flange 84 having a horizontal wall 86 that extends radially to the outside from the upper end of tubular body 76 of control component 70 and a vertical wall 88.

In the mounted position (seen in FIG. 5), the upper flange 84 of the control component 70 is supported by means of a wall 86 against a complementary shoulder 90 formed by connecting an upper block 52 and a lower block 54 of the tubular element 50.

The control component 70 can extend vertically through the internal volume 38, but without direct contact between its body 76 or its end 78 and the inner wall 36 of the bulb 12.

With reference to FIG. 5, the device 10 can comprise a positioning means 92 capable of maintaining the control component 70 in a center position during transport. The positioning means 92 can particularly ensure a mechanical connection between the tubular body 76 of the control component 70 and the inner wall 36 of the bulb 12 in such a way that the forces that are capable of being transmitted in the event of a shock or fall are then advantageously distributed over the entire inner wall 36 of the bulb 12 and not only on the portion of inner wall 36 in the area of the neck 40 and of the sleeve 60.

In one embodiment, the positioning means 92 can be a positioning and absorption means 92 and can be arranged in all or part of the internal volume 38 of the bulb 12, prior to introducing the control component 70. The positioning and absorption means and can, for example, consist of polyurethane foam or phenolic foam, in flakes or expanded form. The positioning and absorption means 92 can be selected to absorb the cryogenic fluid at the time of the filling. In this embodiment, the positioning and absorption means 92 can retain the cryogenic fluid and prevent the spreading of the cryogenic fluid outside the bulb 12 after absorption.

In one embodiment, the device 10 can include a closing component 94 which can be vertically introduced into the tubular body 76 of the control component 70. The closing component 94 can be configured obturate the holes 82 for limiting the circulation of cryogenic fluid through the control component 70 and limiting possible contact with the transported and/or stored product.

The closing component 94 can further include a carrier tube for the transported and/or stored product. In one embodiment, the product is carried by a conventional straw introduced inside the closing component 94. The closing component 94 can include a tubular body 96 and a flange 98 for mating with the flange 84 of the control component 70. The flange 98 of the closing component 94 can primarily consists of a largely horizontal wall 100. In one embodiment, the horizontal wall is equipped with an outer radial end with an annular locking ring 102.

The annular locking ring 102 of the flange 98 is capable of engaging with at least one locking detent 104 formed from the internal vertical face of vertical wall 88 of flange 84 of control component 70, so as to irreversibly lock entire closing component 94 and control component 70, in order to guarantee the integrity of the single-use device, while precluding any later reuse.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the control component 70 can include a notched vertical face comprising at least one upper pad 106 and one lower pad 108 that respectively define a first notch 110 located between the upper and lower pads and a second notch that, located below the inside pad 108, corresponds to said notch 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the closing component 94 is capable of occupying a first, so-called assembly, position, in which locking ring 102 of closing component 94 is introduced into first notch 110 of flange 84 of control component 70. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the closing component 94 is still capable of occupying a second, so-called locking, position, in which ring 102 is introduced into second, so-called locking, detent 104 of control component 70.

In one embodiment, the closing component 94 comprises holes 112 that, in assembly position, at least partly coincide with passage holes 82 of control component 70 intended to allow internal volume 38 of bulb 12 to be filled with cryogenic fluid through control component 70. In the locking position, the holes 82 of the control component 70 are at least partly obturated by the body 96 of the closing component 94 so as to prevent any later addition of cryogenic fluid to guarantee the end user the integrity of the device and its single-use utilization.

The closing component 94 and the control component 70 can include ventilation means 114 which are intended, in the locking position, to enable the evacuation of the gases progressively released by the cryogenic fluid during transport and/or storage. The ventilation means 114 through the closing component 94 and the control component 70 consist of at least one ventilation orifice 114 that is formed by of at least one of holes 82, 112 of each component 70 and 94 located in the upper part of each.

The upper ventilation orifices 114 permit the evacuation of gases released by the cryogenic fluid that thus escape from internal volume 38 to the outside while passing through the opening 42 of the neck 40 of the bulb 12. The upper ventilation orifices 114 of the control component 70 and the closing component 94 do not coincide axially when the assembly is in the assembled position illustrated in FIG. 4A, but when the control component 70 and the closing component 94 do coincide axially when in the locked position illustrated in FIG. 4B.

The upper tubular part of closing component 94 can be capable of receiving an internal stopper 116, which allows the ventilation of the bulb 12 by permitting the gases produced by the cryogenic fluid to be evacuated to the outside. The stopper 116 can also be capable of limiting the overflow of cryogenic fluid outside bulb 12 in the event that an excessive amount was to be introduced, voluntarily or not, in relation to the maximum absorption capacity of the absorption means 92. The stopper 116 can make it possible to limit the thermal exchanges between the internal volume 38 of the bulb 12 and the outside and to prevent the formation of condensation in the proximity of the neck 40, due to the temperature differences between the inside and the outside of the bulb 12.

In one embodiment, the transportation and/or storage device 10 can be placed in a final mounted position illustrated in FIG. 5 with by the following steps. The absorbing and positioning means 92 can be introduced inside the volume 38 of the bulb 12 and a sleeve 60 can be mounted inside the neck 40. As will be described in greater detail later, the sleeve 60 can be constructed within the neck 40 of the bulb 12.

The sleeve 60 can be a rigid body formed in the neck 40 of the bulb 12 from a collection of complimentary pieces. The sleeve 60 can be too large to fit into the opening 42 in the bulb 12 in its constructed configuration, whereas the individual pieces forming the rigid sleeve can easily pass into the opening 42. This embodiment can serve to secure the bulb 12 particularly well to the cover 20, while minimizing the transfer of energy, such as shocks or impacts to the bulb 12.

The device 10 can be pre-mounted by introducing the tubular element 50 of the cover 20 into the upper opening 42 of the bulb 12 and by proceeding with the locking. Once the tubular element 50 is introduced, lugs 48 can be extended inside bulb 12 in the retracted position. The vertical introduction of control component 70 through the passage orifice 56 of cover 20 that causes lugs 48 to pivot to their locking position, where by the lugs will engage the receiving sleeve 60 and, in particular, the internal groove 236 of the sleeve 60. Once the control component 70 is introduced, the cover 20 and the bulb 12 are then connected to one another through lugs 48 that are maintained in a locked position by control component 70.

In one embodiment, the control component 70 is entirely introduced into the bulb 12, such as, until the flange 84 of the control component 70 is received in the upper block 52 of the tubular element 50 and the wall 86 engages with the shoulder 90.

The closing component 94 can then be mounted in control component 70 after the locking of securing means 48. In one embodiment, the closing component 94 can be assembled with the control component 70 in advance, in order to be mounted simultaneously with the latter in a manner similar to that which has just been described. In another embodiment, the closeting component 94 can be omitted and products can be stored directly into the control component 70.

The cover 20 can then be integrally mounted with the cylindrical wall 18 which can include an upper edge 118 intended to engage with a complementary edge 120 of the cover 20. In one embodiment, the upper edge 118 of the cylindrical wall 18 forms a male part intended to be tight-fixed into a complementary annular groove comprising edge 120 of cover 20. The engagement between the edges 118, 120 of the cylindrical wall 18 and of the cover 20 forms the outer packaging structure 14. Once the assembly of the cover 20 with the cylindrical wall 18 of outer packaging structure 14 is completed, the bulb 12 can be suspended and extends vertically into internal volume 16.

The internal volume 38 of the bulb 12 is then filled, through the top, by pouring a cryogenic fluid through an upper opening defined by the flange 98 of closing component 94. The cryogenic fluid introduced in a certain quantity can be completely absorbed by absorption means 92 provided for such purpose.

Once the filling is completed, the products to be transported and/or stored are, for example, introduced directly into the volume defined by the closing component 94, which then constitutes a carrier tube. In an alternative embodiment, the products can be carried by straws within a goblet that is vertically introduced from top to bottom inside the closing component 94. Similarly, such a goblet can be introduced directly into the control component 70 and the closing component 94 can be omitted.

The skirt 68 of the stopper 62 constitutes an actuation part capable of engaging with the horizontal wall 100 of the flange 98 of the closing component 94 in order to cause its displacement from the assembly position to the locking position.

When the stopper 62 is vertically introduced downwards for the purpose of closing the device 10, the lower end of skirt 68 then exercises a closing force F (FIG. 4B) on the flange 98 of the control component 94 that causes its descent into control component 70 and the passage of the locking ring 102 from the first detent 110 to the second detent 104. The stopper 62 can be simultaneously, or successively, driven in rotation by means of the handle comprising its upper face to complete the closing following the bayonet-type mounting.

Each notch 66 can comprise a staged path (not depicted) in which each pin 64 is engaged when the stopper 62 is rotated, which automatically causes a descending movement of the skirt 68 when pins the 64 of the stopper 62 are introduced into the complementary notches 66 of support the cover 20 of the packaging structure 14.

The transportation and/or storage device 10 is thus capable of being transported while the cover 20 on top is being maintained in the vertical position or capable of permitting the storage of the product for a period determined by the amount of cryogenic fluid.

According to one embodiment, the transportation device 10 can include only the control component 70, without a closing component 94. The control component 70 can then directly constitute a carrier tube within which the products to be transported or stored, or within which the support pipe containing the products are lodged.

The upper part of the tubular body 76 of the control component 70 is capable of receiving the stopper 116, which permits the evacuation of the gases produced by the cryogenic fluid outside the bulb 12, to limit the thermal exchanges and also to limit the discharge of cryogenic fluid outside the bulb 12.

The outer wall 34 can be free from any contact and the mechanical forces transmitted in the case of shock(s) or fall(s) are only exerted on the inner wall 36 alone. In fact, the mechanical forces caused by shocks or a fall are, if necessary, transmitted to the inner wall 36 of the bulb 12, through the attachment means 48, which engages, directly or through the intervention of the sleeve 60, with said inner wall 36.

Because of the distribution of the forces over the entire inner wall 36, the risk of rupturing the neck 40 in the proximity of the connection area 58 between the outer 34 and the inner 36 walls of the double-walled glass insulating bulb 12 in particular is greatly reduced.

Turning now to figures FIGS. 6A-6C, a sleeve 60 or receiving element 210 is shown for coupling on the interior of a interior container or bulb 12 (Seen in FIG. 9). In particular the receiving element is coupled to an opening 42 and neck 40 in the bulb 12 (Seen in FIG. 9). The receiving element 210 comprises a body 216 constructed from a plurality of pieces 240 a, b, c, d, e, f. The body 216 can have a generally annular cross section formed by a first end 218, a second end 220, and a passage 226 there between forming an internal cavity in the body 216 and an interior surface 230. The body 216 is depicted having a generally annular cross-section, but other shapes are envisioned for coupling with various containers based on the interior surface of the interior container.

The body 216 can be seen having an upper lip 232 at the first end 218 connected to a neck 242 which expands into a base 231. The upper lip 232 can be configured for resting on the top surface of an interior container opening, and the neck 242 can be configured for fitting into the neck of the interior container opening. The base 231 is formed such that an external surface 222 contacts the interior surface of the interior container when the body 216 is configured within the interior container 210.

An internal groove 236 can be formed on the interior surface of the body 216 for the purpose of receiving attachment means 48 which can be in the form of lugs 48. The base 231 and its external surface 222 provide means for coupling the body 216 with the interior container, and the internal groove 236 provides for coupling the receiving element to a part external to the interior container for suspending the interior container. In one embodiment, the internal groove 236 can receive a locking element. The locking element can comprise any mechanism capable of passing into the passage of the body with at least a portion that expands or is actuated to expand into the internal groove 36, such that the locking element is secured to the receiving element 210.

Referring now to only FIG. 6A, a piece 240 a can be seen with two parallel sides 250 a and 250 b, which correspond to the neighboring edges 252 a and 252 b respectively. In the embodiment depicted, piece 240 d is also illustrated with parallel sides, although it should be appreciated embodiments are envisioned with only one pieces having parallel sides and with multiple pieces having parallel sides.

FIG. 7A illustrates the top view of one embodiment of the present invention having four pieces. In this embodiment piece 300 has parallel edges formed at sides 308 a and 308 b of neighboring pieces 306 and 302 respectively. Pieces 302 and 306 abut piece 304 at edges 310 a and 310 b respectively. In this embodiment each of the four pieces has a different design.

FIG. 7B illustrates a five piece design for the construction of a body 210 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Piece 320 has two parallel sides which abut neighboring pieces 328 and 322 at edges 330 a and 330 b, respectively. Pieces 324 and 326 are each defined with radial cuts 332 a, 332 b, and 332 c and can be the same design giving this arrangement a minimum of four different piece designs.

FIG. 7C illustrates a top view of the six piece design seen in FIG. 6A-C. Parallel sides 352 a and 352 b define the sides of a piece 340 which can side into position within a bottle. Piece 346 can be identical to piece 140 with parallel sides 152 c and 152 d. Piece 146 can be dimensioned differently from 340, but may be easier to manufacture as an identical piece. Similarly, pieces 342 and 348 each adjoin one of the parallel edges 352 b and 352 d, respectively, and radial cuts 354 a and 354 b respectively. Pieces 342 and 348 can also be dimensioned identically or can be dimensioned slightly different, so they are not interchangeable. Finally, pieces 344 and 350 can adjoin parallel edges 352 c and 352 d respectively and radial edges 354 a and 354 b, respectively. Pieces 344 and 350 can also be identical, or dimensioned slightly differently providing a minimum of three different pieces for the six piece configuration.

FIG. 7D illustrates a top view of an embodiment with eight pieces and a minimum of four different piece designs. Pieces 360 and 370 can be seen with parallel edges 378 a, b and 378 c, d respectively. Each of the remaining pieces 362, 364, 366, 372, 374 and 376 are illustrated divided by the parallel edges and radial edges 380 a, b, c, and d.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the present invention. Piece 400 is illustrated with edges 408 a and 408 b which converge in the radially distal direction. Piece 400 can still slide into a final place within the interior container in the same way a last piece having parallel sides. This piece has been illustrated in a four piece arrangement abutting pieces 402 and 406, which are themselves separated by piece 404 with edges 410 a, and 410 b. It should be appreciated that the piece with converging sides can also be used in each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7B-D and is merely illustrated in the four piece configuration for the sake of simplicity.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of a bulb 12 showing the body 216 formed from a plurality of pieces and held in the opening 40 of the bulb 12. This illustrated interior container has a generally circular cross section thereby fitting with a body having a generally annular cross section.

It should be appreciated; the basic concepts described herein can be embodied in a number of ways. The present invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of bodies formed from a plurality of pieces for forming on the interior of a container and receiving an external element.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of shipping container and methods of making and using the shipping container including, but not limited to, the best mode of the invention.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of “container” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “containing”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “containing”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “container” and even a “means for containing.” Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity; for example, “a container” refers to one or more of the containers. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the array of shipping containers herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application. 

1. A receiving element for an interior container having an opening, the receiving element comprising: a. a body with a first end, a second end and an external surface, wherein the second end is larger than the opening of the interior container; b. a passage in the body from the first end to the second end forming an internal cavity and an internal surface of the body; c. an upper lip on the external surface located at the first end configured for contacting a top surface at the opening of the container; d. a base located at the second end of the body; and e. an internal groove formed on the internal surface which receives a locking element thereby suspending the container relative to the locking element; wherein the body is formed by a plurality of separate pieces configured inside the opening of the interior container.
 2. The receiving element of claim 1 wherein the body further comprises a neck.
 3. The receiving element of claim 2 wherein the neck of the body is dimensioned to contact the interior of a neck of the container.
 4. The receiving element of claim 2 wherein the neck of the body is dimensioned to contact the interior surface of the interior container.
 5. The receiving element of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of pieces is formed with parallel sides.
 6. The receiving element of claim 3 wherein all but one piece can be configured within the container leaving an opening with parallel edges.
 7. The receiving element of claim 1 wherein the body is comprised of at least 4 separate pieces.
 8. The receiving element of claim 6 wherein the body is comprised of at least 5 separate pieces.
 9. The receiving element of claim 7 wherein the body if comprised of at least 6 separate pieces.
 10. The receiving element of claim 8 wherein the body is comprised of at least 8 separate pieces.
 11. The receiving element of claim 1 comprising three designs for the pieces.
 12. The receiving element of claim 1 comprising four designs for the pieces.
 13. The receiving element of claim 1 wherein any two of the plurality of pieces cannot pass through the interior container opening when configured for forming the receiving element.
 14. The receiving element of claim 1 wherein at least one piece is configured to have two sides and the remaining pieces are configured in an arrangement having a single opening with two edges corresponding to the two sides.
 15. The receiving element of claim 14 wherein the at least one piece configured to have two sides is slidable into the single opening inside the container forming a complete body on the interior of the container.
 16. The receiving element of claim 15 wherein the two sides a parallel.
 17. The receiving element of claim 15 wherein the two sides are at converging angles towards a distal end when the piece is configured for placement in the interior container.
 18. An annular receiving element constructed partially within an interior container, the annular receiving element comprising: a. a body with a first end and a second end wherein the body is formed from a plurality of separate pieces configured into an annular arrangement in a tension fit in a neck of the container; b. a passage from the first end of the body to the second end of the body forming a cavity and an internal surface; and c. a groove in the internal surface for receiving a locking element.
 19. The annular receiving sleeve according to claim 18 further comprising an upper lip formed at the first end for contacting the top surface of an interior container.
 20. The annular receiving sleeve according to claim 18 further comprising an inner lip for distributing forces amongst the plurality of pieces.
 21. A method for suspending an interior container comprising the steps of: a. forming a receiving element at an opening of the interior container; b. securing the receiving element with the opening of the interior container; c. inserting a locking element into the opening of the interior container, wherein the locking element is coupled to a first portion of an exterior container; d. engaging the receiving element with the locking element; and e. engaging the first portion of the exterior container with a second portion of the exterior container surrounding the interior container.
 22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the step of forming a receiving element further comprises the steps of: a. placing a plurality of pieces of the receiving element in the opening; b. arranging the plurality of pieces into an annular body missing a single section, where the missing single section has two edges; c. placing a last piece of the receiving element into the opening, the last piece having two side surfaces corresponding to the edges; d. sliding the last piece of the receiving element into the missing section.
 23. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of suspending the interior container within a second container associated with the locking element.
 24. The method of claim 17 wherein the edges of the missing section comprise two parallel edges and the two side surfaces of the last piece comprise two corresponding parallel side surfaces.
 25. The method of claim 17 wherein the edges of the missing section comprise two edges which converge in a distal direction relative to the center of container and the two side surfaces of the last piece comprise two corresponding converging surfaces side surfaces. 